A 28-year-old radiographer has been diagnosed with leukemia after initially dismissing significant bruising and fatigue as consequences of her pole dancing hobby. Megan Wright, from Dundee, Scotland, noticed large, unexplained bruises appearing on her arms in early 2026, which took as long as a month to fade. She also experienced persistent tiredness.
During a February appointment for an unrelated knee injury, Wright mentioned her symptoms to her general practitioner, who suggested they might be related to anemia. A blood test was ordered. Within hours of the test, Wright received a call from her doctor, indicating the results suggested either lymphoma or leukemia.
Subsequent tests, including a bone marrow biopsy, confirmed a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Wright described the rapid progression of events, stating, "It was just a whirlwind. I’d gone from just going to the GP for something completely different to being diagnosed with leukemia within days."
Wright explained that before her diagnosis, she felt healthy and active, participating in pole fitness and socializing with friends. She had initially attributed her fatigue to increased work hours. Another symptom of ALL, a prolonged nosebleed after her blood test, also occurred. Her diagnosis came just days after her initial GP visit. "It was very hard to process because it all happened so quickly," Wright said.
She began chemotherapy treatment immediately. After completing two five-week cycles, a bone marrow biopsy revealed no evidence of leukemia, indicating she is in remission and does not require a stem cell transplant. However, she still faces further chemotherapy rounds aimed at reducing the risk of relapse.
Wright noted feeling she falls into an unusual age bracket for cancer patients, being too old for some young adult support services but often one of the youngest on the hematology ward. Leukaemia Care, a support organization, has assisted her in navigating these challenges.
The emotional impact of the diagnosis has been profound for Wright, who understands cancer from a professional standpoint but finds the personal experience vastly different. She has recently returned to her pole fitness studio and recently became engaged, marking a return to activities she enjoys.
"I’d love to get back to pole fitness properly and get back to work," Wright stated. "I’m just very tired at the moment, so I can’t do the same amount as I used to. But hopefully once all this is over, I’ll get back to it."
Wright is now sharing her story during Blood Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness of leukemia symptoms. She emphasized the importance of mentioning any health changes to a doctor, even if they seem minor or unrelated to other health concerns. "I probably wouldn’t have thought anything of it if people at work hadn’t said I should mention it while at the GP. But I’m really glad I did," she added.
Colin Dyer, chief executive of Leukaemia Care, highlighted the importance of recognizing health changes, regardless of age or perceived health status. "Her symptoms could easily have been attributed to her lifestyle or other everyday explanations, but mentioning them to her GP led to further investigation and, ultimately, her diagnosis," Dyer said.